Samer Choucair: Saudi Arabia”s Night-Time Economy Opens a New Gateway for Growth and Investment
Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair stated that allowing businesses in Saudi Arabia to operate 24 hours a day represents an important economic step that reflects the Kingdom's ongoing transformation under Saudi Vision 2030. He explained that the decision is not simply about extending business hours, but about reshaping consumption patterns and improving the efficiency of the service economy.
Choucair added that permitting commercial establishments to operate around the clock creates new opportunities for the growth of the "night-time economy" by making shopping and services available to a broader range of consumers, including shift workers, tourists, and families who prefer evening activities due to the Kingdom's climate. It also enables restaurants, cafés, and retailers to increase sales by spreading consumer demand more evenly throughout the day rather than concentrating it during peak hours.
The investment entrepreneur emphasized that the significance of the decision lies in its ability to stimulate private sector activity and create new investment opportunities across a wide range of industries, from retail and hospitality to digital services and delivery platforms. Extended operating hours require additional employees and more efficient operating systems, supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises while increasing their contribution to the national economy.
He also noted that longer operating hours can improve urban efficiency by distributing commercial activity across a broader time frame, helping to reduce traffic congestion during peak periods. In addition, the move is expected to support the logistics sector and delivery platforms, which have become an essential part of modern consumer behavior.
Choucair pointed out that international experiences in cities such as London and Seoul demonstrate that a vibrant night-time economy can become a significant driver of economic growth when supported by appropriate infrastructure and flexible regulations. At the same time, he stressed the importance of balancing increased commercial activity with quality of life and compliance with regulatory standards.
Within the Saudi context, he explained that exempting certain essential business activities from fees and enabling businesses to obtain permits through government digital platforms reflects a broader strategy to support essential services and encourage investment in high-value sectors.
Choucair concluded by stating that the success of a 24-hour operating model will depend on companies' ability to capitalize on the opportunity through innovation, the adoption of modern technologies, and continuous improvements to the customer experience. He emphasized that the Saudi economy is steadily moving toward a more diversified model driven by higher productivity and a stronger contribution from non-oil sectors.